Paracetamol as Pain Relief for Dogs

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is a pain-relieving and fever-reducing medication widely used in people. It can also be used to provide similar pain relief for dogs when prescribed and dosed correctly by a veterinarian.
Paracetamol can be used alongside non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Meloxicam, Onsior, Carprofen and others.

Many human cold & flu or pain products contain paracetamol combined with other medications that are NOT safe for dogs. Do not give any product that contains additional ingredients such as:
• Ibuprofen, aspirin or other anti-inflammatories
• Pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (decongestants)
• Codeine, tramadol or other opioids
• Caffeine or antihistamines

Only use plain paracetamol (acetaminophen) products recommended by your veterinarian. If you are unsure about a product, please check with us before giving it.

Safety & Dosing – Very Important
Although paracetamol can be used safely in dogs, it has a low safety margin. This means it must be given at a precise dose based on body weight.
• Recommended dose for dogs:
 10 mg/kg TWICE daily (every 12 hours)
• Maximum dose:
 Dogs should not exceed 15 mg/kg per dose, unless under direct veterinary supervision.

Example
• 10 kg dog:
 Safe dose = 100 mg every 12 hours
 (Doses up to 150 mg may be used only under veterinary direction)

Formulations

Panadol Children 1 month – 1 year (Colour-free Baby Drops – 100 mg/mL)
This liquid formulation can be easier to administer in small dogs where tablet splitting is difficult.

How Paracetamol Works

Paracetamol is not an anti-inflammatory medication. It mainly works to:
Reduce pain
Lower fever
Scientists do not fully understand its exact mechanism, but it appears to act through several pathways in the nervous system.

WARNINGS – READ CAREFULLY

Paracetamol can cause serious toxicity if overdosed or used incorrectly.
Two main types of toxicity:
1. Liver damage (dose-dependent)
Higher doses cause more severe injury. Can lead to liver failure.
2. Red blood cell damage
Cells lose the ability to carry oxygen. Can be life-threatening.

PARACETAMOL IS FATAL TO CATS

Cats must never be given paracetamol. They lack the enzymes needed to safely break down this drug.

Emergency Advice

If your dog or cat may have received an overdose of paracetamol, seek immediate veterinary attention – do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Within Vet Lounge Hours
Coomera: (07) 5502 3333
Ormeau: (07 5549 2120
Currumbin: (07) 5598 4000

Outside of hours 24/7

Animal Emergency Service Carrara: (07) 5559 1599
SASH Robina: (07) 5551 9198